2003 Play-Off Final

Putting a moment, rather than a player, into the Hall of Fame, was a way of recognising an occasion that will forever live in the memories of Wolves fans, whether they were at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff or watched the game against Sheffield United on TV.

The 3–0 victory not only ended a 19-year exile from the top flight but gave the city of Wolverhampton a feel-good factor not seen for many a day. It fell to manager Dave Jones to guide Wolves to the Premier League after the club had three times failed to get past the play-off semi-final stage. There were many moments to savour at Cardiff on May 26, 2003, not least the three first-half goals, from Mark Kennedy, Nathan Blake and Kenny Miller, that had the fans in dreamland. Then there was Matt Murray’s second-half penalty save when a goal might have given the Blades some hope. It was a joyous day for the young keeper and for veterans Paul Ince and Denis Irwin. Finally there was the memory of a beaming Sir Jack Hayward. It was a special day for the much-loved owner who had devoted so much time – and money – to the cause of bringing pride back to Molineux.